The 17-year old shot a three-under par 69 to sit equal second, three shots behind leader Ben Eccles.

Murray said it was a fantastic way to start the new year.

“Obviously it’s a great start to the tournament, I was feeling good right from the first tee,” he said.

Holing a long putt for an eagle on the par 5 15th was a highlight, with Murray narrowly missing another long attempt on the 12th.

“It was a shame to miss that putt, but at the same time my short game feels good, I’m driving well, so I’m really eager to put in good performances for the rest of this week,” he said.

Murray’s putting was a hallmark of his first round, with the teenager sinking multiple long-range putts on his way to the top end of the leaderboard.

He tipped some challenging conditions for today’s second round.

“It’s going to be an absolute stinker, so making sure I’m hydrated and focused will be a challenge,” Murray said.

“It looks like the breeze might switch around a bit as well, which is something we’ll have to adjust to.

“All it means is I have to make sure my concentration is up throughout the day.”

Fellow Border product Frazer Droop also started the tournament in good fashion, his one-under par 71 leaving him sitting 12th on the leaderboard.

The tournament runs until Friday.